Proposed Law Would Extend Processing Time for Family Reunification Applications

Belgium

Due to the recent significant increase of family reunification applications, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a draft bill that would extend the processing time of family reunification applications filed by a family member of a third-country national from six to nine months, with the possibility of two additional extensions at the immigration authorities' discretion for three months each.

The extended processing times would apply to both in-country applications and long-term family reunification visa applications, which are filed separately from the in-country application.

The Council of State is expected to review the draft bill in the next few weeks. 

What This Means for Foreign Nationals

Once the bill is implemented, accompanying family members will be subject to additional travel restrictions.  

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].     

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